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Back-to-School Drives and Supply Giveaways: Helping Students Succeed

Free downloadable 23-24 School Calendar Included!

By Missy Robertson, Publisher Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe July 19, 2023

The summertime will soon be coming to an end and students and parents are gearing up for another school year. And with back-to-school shopping on the horizon, it can be an expensive time for families. However, there are several organizations and businesses that understand the financial strain and are stepping up to help.

To assist families, various back-to-school supply giveaways are being organized locally. These events aim to provide students with the necessary tools to start the school year off right. From backpacks and notebooks to pencils and calculators, these giveaways are a lifeline for many families. 

In an effort to make it easier for families to find these giveaways, we have compiled a list of upcoming events. This list will be continuously updated as we receive more information, so be sure to check back regularly.

Additionally, we understand the importance of planning and staying organized during the school year. To assist with this, we have also included printable calendars for the upcoming school year. These calendars will help you keep track of important dates, exams, and extracurricular activities, ensuring you stay on top of your schedule.

Whether you are in need of school supplies or simply want to stay organized, our article will be a valuable resource. Stay tuned for more back-to-school giveaways and be sure to print out our calendars to help you stay on track. Together, we can make the back-to-school season a little less stressful for everyone.


School Supplies and Wellness:

Super Saturday Backpack and School Supply Giveaway
Hosted by: Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana 
Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana
117 Hall Street, Monroe, LA


Once Upon a Child and Plato's Closet
Back to School Event

Date: July 22, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Location: 1110 Pecanland Rd, Monroe, LA

Come out Saturday, July 22, 2023, to the back-to-school events. Both stores are stocking up on your favorite brands and styles for the upcoming school year. We will have entertainment for the kids, giveaways, face painting, snow cone stand and food trucks to enjoy while you do your BTS shopping. (Food available: Bro How BBQ, Shiver Shack, Roll Play, Blue Taco.)


Back to School Culture Fest - Live Delta Blues Concert
Date: July 29, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Riverbend Community Health Park at West Monroe Community Center
504 Filhiol Avenue, West Monroe, LA

Live Delta Blues Concert! Open Art Exhibit, Arts & Crafts, Games for Children & Adults, Family Resources, Vendors, and FoodTruck

Free backpack with supplies for elementary students (while supplies last)

The child must be present to receive a backpack.


Wellness Event: OPH End of Summer Bash/Immunization Fair
Date: August 5, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: 1650 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA

Wellness events that include music, jumper, shots, entertainment, and free slushies. Your Macaroni KID Publishers will be there and can't wait to visit with you! 

For more information please call (318)361-7221.


Back to School Supply Giveaway
Date: August 6, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - Until Supplies Last
Location: Locked in Tax Company (Next to Spartan)
2331 Louisville Avenue, Monroe, LA


Kids Art Club: Back to School Bash
Date: August 7, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: The Sugar Gallery
135 Art Alley, Monroe, LA


Back to School Bonanza 2023
Date: August 12, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Mt. Zion Baptist Church
211 Mt. Zion Street, Monroe, LA

School supplies, health screenings, food, drinks, games, door prizes. 


Region 8 Community Outreach Team and Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
Back to School Bash
Date: August 12, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
1405 Berstein Park Road, Monroe, LA 

Fun for the whole family! Back-to-school supply giveaways, interactive booths, health information, and food. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. 


Strive for Success Back to School Bash
Date: August 12, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: 1310 Powell Street, Monroe, LA

School supplies, bookbags, young entrepreneurs, games, music, and more!


6th Annual Back to School Jubilee
Date: August 13th, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Genisis Center
428 Oliver Street, Bastrop, LA 

School supplies, food, special guest speakers. For more information please call (318)805-2379.


Queens of Tomorrow present Back to School Bash
Date: August 19, 2023
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Henrietta W. Johnson Community Center
2800 Burg Jones Lane, Monroe, LA

Free food and drinks, community resources, school supplies, laptop raffle, college scholarship seminars, music, face painting, and games. 

For more information please call, (318)239-9488.


Drive-Thru Backpack Giveaway
Date: August 19th, 2023
Time: 7:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Reframing for Life
1503 Goodwin Road, Suite 207, Ruston, LA

One backpack per child, per car for grades K-5th while supplies last.


Back to School with Grace
Date: August 19th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Grace Bible Baptist Church
216 Rough Edge Road, Ruston, LA

We, at Grace Bible Baptist Church, are planning our first-ever community-wide back-to-school event. Our goal is to bless students in Ruston with much-needed school supplies, uniforms, undergarments, back-to-school haircuts, a school-themed mini photoshoot, dinner, and door prizes— ALL FREE OF CHARGE! The event will take place on August 19th on our church grounds. An event of this scale would not be possible without the generous donations of supplies, funds, and services from our sponsors. We hope this event reflects our efforts to show love and support in the Ruston community!


Back to School Bash Town of Richwood
Date: August 26, 2023
Times: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Mary Francis Goins Park (Richwood Park)
2917 Robinson Road, Richwood, LA

Bookbag, school supplies giveaway, jumpers, waterslide, games, snow cones, music, and more.

For more information, please call Charlotte Rainwater at (318)325-4328.



Can You Help? School Supply Drives:

Queens of Tomorrow
Date: Now - July 31, 2023
Drop-Off Location: Phirst Impression Menswear
7913 Desiard Street, Suite E
Monroe, LA

Needs: Crayons, colored markers, pencils, erasers, folders, glue/glue sticks, pens, tissue paper, three-ring binders, composition books, notebook paper, and notebooks. If you have questions, or to make a cash donation please call (318)239-9488.



STUDENTS BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES

Monroe City Schools
(Printable 2023/2024 School Calendar)
August 14 - All Students


Ouachita Parish 
(Printable 2023/2024 School Calendar)
August 14 - 1st - 12th Grades

August 16 - All Grades Including Pre-K and K Girls

August 17 - All Grades Including Pre-K and K Boys


Morehouse Parish 
(Printable 2023/2024 School Calendar)
August 15 - 1st - 12th Grades

August 16 - Pre-K and K Girls Half Day

August 17 - Pre-K and K Boys Half Day

August 18 - All Pre-K and K (All Day)


Lincoln Parish School District
(Printable 2023/2024 School Calendar)
August 18 - 1st - 12th Grades

August 21 - Pre-K and K Boys

August 22 - Pre-K and K Girls

August - All Pre-K and K


Union Parish School District
(Printable 2023/2024 School Calendar)

August 14 - 1st - 12th Grades (Full Day) and Pre-K and K Testing Day

August 15 - 1st - 12th Grades (Full Day) and Pre-K and K Testing Day

August 16 - All Grades Including Pre-K and K Girls Full Day

August 17 - All Grades Including Pre-K and K Boys Full Day


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